Great Plains Nature Center

10/25/2026

We're missing our bug-eyed girl, Oskaar, these days! ❤🦉

Oskaar is an Eastern Screech Owl who for years was an animal ambassador at GPNC, representing her species and educating about these nocturnal raptors.

She is currently enjoying retirement at the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit , where she is staying in an interior enclosure. We're so thankful she's in such good hands🥰

10/23/2026

Staff that fish together, stay together🎣🥰

Some of our naturalists enjoyed a morning out fishing at Island Pond in Chisholm Creek Park! This pond has a variety of species, including Channel Catfish, Black Bullheads, Largemouth Bass, and sunfish🐟

As a reminder: if you fish in Chisholm Creek Park, it's only allowed around Island Pond. Catch and release only, no live bait, please! 😊 Follow all rules and regulations from KDWP, including having a fishing license (unless you're under 16 or over 74).

10/21/2026

10/21/2026

🦉 Giving Tuesday is getting closer, but it's never too early to give!

Your gift to the Friends of the Great Plains Nature Center helps support educational programs that connect children, families, and our community with the natural world.

Give the gift of discovery, curiosity, and a deeper connection to nature. 🌱

10/20/2026

You voted, and now it's official: Meet Ocho, the Texas Brown Tarantula! 🕷️🕸️❤️

Our new eight-legged animal ambassador will help educate students of all ages on the wondrous world of arachnids in Kansas.

Our favorite tarantula fact? Some toads and tarantulas are besties! 🐸🕷️This species of spider is sometimes found in burrows with Western Narrow-mouthed Toads, which they have a mutualistic relationship with!

10/18/2026

Thank you to all who came out yesterday to support local art AND nature eduction for this year’s Art on the Trail! It was a stunning evening filled with the beauty of art in all forms. We hope you enjoyed just as much as we did. We look forward to seeing you again for the next one! 💚🍂🍁

10/17/2026

🎨🌙 TOMORROW NIGHT! 🍂✨

The trails are ready, the art is coming together, and we’re almost ready to welcome you to Art on the Trail!

Join us tomorrow, Saturday, October 17, from 4-7pm at the Great Plains Nature Center for a one-of-a-kind evening where art meets the outdoors. Wander the trails of Chisholm Creek Park, experience creativity surrounded by nature, grab a drink from the cash bar, and enjoy a beautiful fall night with us.

FREE, 21+ event.

10/16/2026

We need your help naming our newest animal ambassador, a Texas Brown Tarantula! 🕷️❤️

He comes to us from the K-State Insect Zoo, where he was raised after hatching in 2021.

What name do you pick? 🤔
-Chad
-Ocho
-Fluffy
-Travis

Like or comment to vote for your favorite! We will announce the winner next week 🏆🕸️